Pride Month 2020: when the LGBTQ celebration takes place this year, what it means - and how it’s being marked during lockdown

The month of June sees Pride Month take place across the globe
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But what is Pride? And how are the celebrations begin affected by Covid-19 this year?

Here's everything you need to know.

What is Pride?

(Photo: Getty Images)(Photo: Getty Images)
(Photo: Getty Images)

Every year, during the month of June - chosen because that is when the Stonewall Riots took place in 1969 - the LGBT+ community celebrates Pride in a number of different ways.

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Various events are held across the globe during the month as a way of recognising the influence LGBT+ people have had throughout history.

As well as being a month-long celebration packed with events, Pride is an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the LGBT+ community and beyond.

How will it be celebrated in 2020?

(Photo: Kena Betancur/Getty Images)(Photo: Kena Betancur/Getty Images)
(Photo: Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

Parades are a prominent feature of Pride month, and there are many street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions, all of which are covered by mainstream media and attract millions of participants.

Usually, major UK cities hold their own parades in places like London and Manchester, although these have understandably been cancelled this year.

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Obviously, with the planet under the grip of the coronavirus pandemic, public gatherings are a no-go this year, and so many events have moved online.

What's happening this year?

Despite technically occurring in June, this year's most prominent Pride events won't be kicking off until the end of the month, and will take place primarily online.

Amnesty International announced that it would be joining forces with UK Black Pride, Stonewall and ParaPride to bring this year’s Pride celebrations completely online.

Dubbed Pride Inside, the virtual celebration will see artists, musicians, comedians, DJs and activists come together for a series of performances, talks and workshops honouring the LGBT+ community.

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“COVID-19 won’t stop us celebrating LGBT+ rights. This year, Pride will be inside – in our homes and in our hearts,” said Sen Raj, Amnesty International’s Rainbow Network committee member.

“Around the world, the pandemic is having a disproportionate effect on LGBTI+ people who have been historically discriminated against in their access to healthcare, housing and employment."

The events will begin on Sunday 28 June and run until Sunday 5 July.

Who will be involved?

“That’s why this year, it’s more important than ever that LGBTI+ people and their allies have a chance to come together, celebrate how far we’ve come as a movement and support each other where we still have further to go," added Raj.

“We invite all friends and allies to join us for Pride Inside to show that we’ll always be proud – no matter what, no matter where.”

The lineup for Pride Inside will be announced in the near future.

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